Hiking Acatenango Volcano: A Brutal Hike to See Erupting Fuego in Guatemala

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to hike to 13,045 feet (3,976 meters) and sleep beside an active volcano? In this immersive audio episode, join me as I take on the challenging Acatenango Volcano hike, a two-day trek near Antigua, Guatemala, that offers some of the most stunning volcanic views in the world. This 14.5-kilometer (9-mile) round-trip hike takes around 5–7 hours to ascend and 3–4 hours to descend, with steep trails, changing climates, and breathtaking panoramas. At the summit, you'll witness Fuego Volcano’s dramatic eruptions, spewing ash and lava every 15–30 minutes—an unforgettable display of nature’s raw power.

🎙️ Expect real-time reactions, raw emotions, and the sounds of Fuego’s powerful eruptions as I navigate this intense overnight trek. From gruelling inclines to breathtaking lava displays at night, this is an adventure you don’t want to miss!

For more information about this hike, the good and the bad, be sure to check in to my next episode with my friend Nick from the hike as we dissect what we learnt and share things you should know. There will be plenty of funny stories, tips, mishaps and banter.

In This Episode, You’ll Hear About:

✅ The difficulty of the Acatenango hike – is it as brutal as they say?

✅ What it’s like to sleep next to an active volcano and witness eruptions every 10 minutes

✅ Packing tips & what I wish I had brought

✅ Tour company experience – the good, the bad, and unexpected surprises

✅ The insane sunrise views and final descent back to Antigua

✅ Would I do it again? My final thoughts on this bucket-list experience

🌍 Thinking about hiking Acatenango yourself? Stick around for insider tips at the end of the episode!

📌 Subscribe & Follow: If you enjoy immersive travel experiences, don’t forget to subscribe to the Winging It Travel Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen!

👍 Leave a Review: Love the episode? Drop a 5-star review and let me know what adventure you want to hear next!

📷 Follow Along on Instagram: Winging It Travel Podcast for behind-the-scenes photos and videos from this epic journey!

⏳ Episode Timestamps

00:00 - Intro – Welcome to the episode! Get ready for an immersive journey up Acatenango Volcano.

00:05 - Why Acatenango? – The anticipation, excitement, and nerves before the hike.

00:58 - The Big Day Begins – Clear skies, nervous energy, and the start of an intense challenge.

02:06 - What to Expect – Distance, elevation, costs, and how tough this hike really is.

03:09 - First Climb & Reality Check – The brutal incline, volcanic ash terrain, and stolen snacks!

04:32 - The Uphill Battle Continues – No breaks, no flat sections—just relentless climbing.

05:50 - Reaching Base Camp – The first sight of Fuego and the relief of making it to camp.

07:13 - Fuego Erupts! – Experiencing the first rumble and smoke, plus the option to climb Fuego.

08:33 - Nightfall & Lava Show – The eruptions become even more intense—an unforgettable sight.

10:36 - Sunrise Magic – Waking up early for breathtaking morning views and time-lapse moments.

11:16 - Packing Up & Heading Down – The descent begins, and it’s faster but still tough.

12:03 - Final Thoughts & Takeaways – Was it worth it? Key lessons from this epic hike.

13:00 - Outro & Travel Tips – Essential advice for anyone planning their own Acatenango trek.

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Winging It Travel Podcast Credits

Host/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James Hammond

Contact me - [email protected] 

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Cheers, James.

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